When President Barack Obama announced the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday, he credited the Vietnam combat veteran with helping build the international coalition fighting the jihadist group Islamic State.
But some in San Diego military circles called Hagel's tenure lackluster and said it was probably an easy decision for the Nebraska Republican to step down in Obama's final two years as president. Others noted a growing distance between the Pentagon and the White House, for good or for bad.
A spokesman for Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, said Hagel was micromanaged by the White House and never had the chance to be his “own” secretary.
“The problem with Secretary Hagel from the very beginning was that he never looked comfortable in his own skin,” said Joe Kasper, Hunter's press secretary.
“The difficulty he faced as secretary demonstrates how overrun the department is with bureaucrats.”
Jack Harkins, a retired Marine Corps officer and past chairman of the San Diego County United Veterans Council, called the secretary’s departure overdue.
Harkins pointed to a gap that has emerged between the Pentagon and the White House over Islamic State.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey testified in September that ground troops might be indicated if the president’s present no-boots-on-the-ground policy doesn’t pay off in Iraq and Syria.
“Once the commander-in-chief issues orders after the opportunity to offer alternatives has concluded, the only honorable courses are to follow orders with best possible efforts, or to resign, perhaps with a public statement of disagreement,” Harkins said.
Larry Blumberg, a retired Navy captain who is director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, said Hagel’s resignation comes as a big surprise because he viewed him as “growing into” the job.
FILE - This Dec. 7, 2011 file photo shows former U.S. Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy, preparing for a bilateral meeting in Beijing, China. Flournoy, formerly the Pentagon's policy chief and among President Obama's more hawkish advisers, could be in line to become the first woman to lead the U.S. military after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's resignation. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)The Associated Press FILE - This Dec. 7, 2011 file photo shows former U.S. Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy, preparing for a bilateral meeting in Beijing, China. Flournoy, formerly the Pentagon's policy chief and among President Obama's more hawkish advisers, could be in line to become the first woman to lead the U.S. military after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's resignation. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) <em/>
“There was a lot of trepidation that he was going to be a mouthpiece for the administration when in fact, after awhile, it sounded like he was providing the type of advice that was necessary,” he said.
San Diego’s congressional delegation kept their comments mostly to praise of Hagel’s life of service.
“He deserves our grateful thanks for his tireless efforts at a time of critical domestic and international challenges,” said Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, in a released statement.
Scott Peters, D-San Diego, released a statement saying, “I commend the secretary for his work to ensure we keep our promises to our service members as they transition to civilian life.”
In addition to his praise, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, seemed to signal what might have been missing in Hagel’s performance.
“My hope is that the next Secretary of Defense continues to be a champion for our troops as well as our wounded warriors. Equally important is the need for the president to find an individual who can lead in times of emerging threats, listen to our nation’s top commanders, and inspire all around them,” Issa said in his released statement.
Looking forward toward a replacement, the purported frontrunner is Michele Flournoy, a Democrat and former Under Secretary of Defense.
Flournoy is considered to have one of the best minds on national security, but she has never served in uniform. She would be the first female Secretary of Defense.
But some in San Diego military circles called Hagel's tenure lackluster and said it was probably an easy decision for the Nebraska Republican to step down in Obama's final two years as president. Others noted a growing distance between the Pentagon and the White House, for good or for bad.
A spokesman for Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, said Hagel was micromanaged by the White House and never had the chance to be his “own” secretary.
“The problem with Secretary Hagel from the very beginning was that he never looked comfortable in his own skin,” said Joe Kasper, Hunter's press secretary.
“The difficulty he faced as secretary demonstrates how overrun the department is with bureaucrats.”
Jack Harkins, a retired Marine Corps officer and past chairman of the San Diego County United Veterans Council, called the secretary’s departure overdue.
Harkins pointed to a gap that has emerged between the Pentagon and the White House over Islamic State.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey testified in September that ground troops might be indicated if the president’s present no-boots-on-the-ground policy doesn’t pay off in Iraq and Syria.
“Once the commander-in-chief issues orders after the opportunity to offer alternatives has concluded, the only honorable courses are to follow orders with best possible efforts, or to resign, perhaps with a public statement of disagreement,” Harkins said.
Larry Blumberg, a retired Navy captain who is director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, said Hagel’s resignation comes as a big surprise because he viewed him as “growing into” the job.
“There was a lot of trepidation that he was going to be a mouthpiece for the administration when in fact, after awhile, it sounded like he was providing the type of advice that was necessary,” he said.
San Diego’s congressional delegation kept their comments mostly to praise of Hagel’s life of service.
“He deserves our grateful thanks for his tireless efforts at a time of critical domestic and international challenges,” said Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, in a released statement.
Scott Peters, D-San Diego, released a statement saying, “I commend the secretary for his work to ensure we keep our promises to our service members as they transition to civilian life.”
In addition to his praise, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, seemed to signal what might have been missing in Hagel’s performance.
“My hope is that the next Secretary of Defense continues to be a champion for our troops as well as our wounded warriors. Equally important is the need for the president to find an individual who can lead in times of emerging threats, listen to our nation’s top commanders, and inspire all around them,” Issa said in his released statement.
Looking forward toward a replacement, the purported frontrunner is Michele Flournoy, a Democrat and former Under Secretary of Defense.
Flournoy is considered to have one of the best minds on national security, but she has never served in uniform. She would be the first female Secretary of Defense.
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